Robert Eugene “Gene” Lavender, Sr., 67, of Tifton passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Tift Regional Medical Center. His funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Awaken Church in Tifton with the Rev. Josh Bennett and the Rev. Shane Suggs officiating. Gene will be laid to rest at Red Oak Cemetery in Doles. The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Awaken Church in Tifton from 2:00 p.m. until the hour of the service. The family requests that friends and family who attend the service to please wear their favorite college football team attire.
Gene’s family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Born May 2, 1958, in Hahira, Gene was the son of the late Kenneth Lavender and Monteine Lavender. Before retiring, he was the General Manager of Pridgen Brothers Wholesale. He loved the Lord, and he was God’s hands and feet while he was on this earth. He was an active member of Awaken Church in Tifton.
He loved his family, especially his grandbabies, who called “Papa’s House” the “Fun House.” He taught his wife, Leisha, the true meaning of unconditional love. He was very selfless, and Christmas was his favorite holiday.
His favorite hobbies were gardening and growing fruit trees and working in his shop. He loved watching and cheering on the University of Georgia Bulldogs.
Gene is survived by his wife, Leisha M. Lavender of Tifton; one son and daughter-in-law, Robert Eugene Jr. and Kathryn Lavender of Americus; two daughters and sons-in-law, Kayla and Wayne Baltzell of Leesburg and Melissa and Justin Doreck of Killeen, Texas; one sister and brother-in-law, Deborah L. and Shane Tucker of Leesburg; and nine grandchildren, Slade Griffin, Josie Griffin, Stevie Doreck, Noah Jones, Baylee Jones, Meridyth Baltzell, Elizabeth Baltzell, Virginia Lavender and Kate Lavender.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorial gifts may be made to Awaken Church, 3690 U. S. Highway 82 West, Tifton, GA 31793.
GO DAWGS!